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Damiana as an Herb

By Belly Bytes

Turnera diffusa

Damiana is a small shrub found in Texas, California, Mexico, and South America. Damiana is said to have a fig-like taste. Damiana leaf consists of the leaf of Turnera diffusa and its variations. Damiana herb consists of the herb of Turnera diffusa and its variations.

Damiana as an Herb for Medicinal Uses

The medicinal parts of the damiana plant are the leaves harvested during the flowering season. The fruit is a small, globular, many-seeded capsule, which breaks up into 3 parts. It is aromatic and resinous.

Damiana Leaf is used to regulate the female cycles of the reproductive system. It is also used to stimulate the sexual appetite, to treat depression and to treat impotence. Damania is useful as part of a formula to treat depression. It can be taken along with prescription depression medications, and is helpful in relieving the lowered libido often associated with them.

Damiana is also good for treating urinary problems and nervousness, as well as hypertension.

Damiana has also been used to boost and maintain mental and physical capacity (especially when overexerting). Also has been said to act as a nervine and to produce mild euphoria up to 1-1/2 hours.

The mildly laxative action of the damiana is another important property it possesses as an herbal remedy; the herb is very effective in the treatment of persistent constipation which is caused by a poor muscle tone in the bowel musculature.

Mexican women have used Damiana as an aphrodisiac by drinking 1 cup of the infusion (1/2 to 1 teaspoon dried herb to 1 cup hot water; steep 10 to 15 minutes; taken 1 to 2 cups daily when cold a mouthful at a time) an hour before intercourse. The volatile oil is mildly irritating and is said to excite the genitalia when urinated. Damiana has also been used by women as a douche to increase sexual pleasure.

As herbal tonic as well as an aphrodisiac, the damiana herb remains in continued use and is considered very valuable for its stimulatory action, as well as its tonic like effect on the body.

Culinary Uses of Damiana

Used to flavor liqueurs and cordials.

Caution

A mild sensation of euphoria is sometimes believed to be induced in a person using higher doses of damiana. The use of extremely high doses of the herbal remedy may cause the stools of the patient to loosen considerably.

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